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A Look at the Fitbit Charge 2 and Unboxing

The Fitbit Charge 2 is part of Fitbit's new line up for the 2016 holiday season.  Essentially a replacement for the Fitbit Charge HR, the Fitbit Charge 2 comes with a larger screen and some enhanced usability features.  Inside the Fitbit Charge 2, there are more significant changes where the STMicroelectronics Bluetooth chip has replaced the Nordic Semiconductor one, matching the STMicroelectronics microcontroller and MEMs based accelerometer inside.  MEMs is certainly becoming more popular inside the Fitbit Charge 2 with the addition of the SiTime (now part of MegaChips) MEMs based oscillator which replaces traditional crystal oscillators used for providing clock signals inside the circuits

Given the change in Bluetooth chip, we purchased to Fitbit Charge 2 to see how Bluetooth compatibility with different phones has improved.

When purchasing the Fitbit Charge 2 at a local Best Buy, there were no units to actually pick up and bring to the cashier.  We had to ask a sales associate for a unit who then had to run back and forth to the stockroom to find one that matched the size and color.  Apparently the Fitbit Charge 2 was selling well since some colors were sold out.  

The Fitbit Charge 2 moved away from the Fitbit Charge HR's more transparent fishbowl design which allowed you to see the device showcased in its own packaging.  The Fitbit Charge 2 packaging is a lot simpler in design and still evoked a very premium product feel.

The Fitbit Charge 2's main accessories are much more simplified compared to the Fitbit Charge HR.   Gone is the USB to Bluetooth dongle used for connecting to PC's and Mac's.

The Fitbit Charge 2 has a stylish design has a lot of similarities as the Fitbit Charge HR but the most noticeable difference is the much improved larger display.

The main button is more pronounced, making it easier to use and navigate between menus. 

The USB charging clip-on accessory is similar to the one used with the Fitbit Charge HR.

For current users of the Fitbit Charge HR, the Fitbit Charge 2 improvements may not be enough to stimulate an upgrade purchase but if your existing Fitbits are looking long in the tooth, the Fitbit Charge 2 may be a worth a closer look.

Note after using this the product sparingly over a three year period, the Fitbit Charge 2 stopped working and would no longer charge up.